Born in Melrose, he was the son of the late James W. and Lillian (Barlow) Yandell. He was raised in Chelsea and was a graduate of Everett Vocational High School in the class of 1959.

Prior to his retirement in the early 2000's due to illness, he was a self employed general contractor for over 30 years. He previously worked in the printing industry for several years.

Besides his wife, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage, he is survived by one son, Richard S. Yandell, Jr. and his wife Monique of Hiram, Maine, four daughters, Laurie and her husband Scott Corbin of Salisbury, Pamela and her husband Joseph Cloutier of Beverly, Kim Bettencourt and her companion, Paul Drouin of Stoneham, Melissa and Fabrizia Ciampa of Medford, 8 grandchildren, Marjorie Yandell, Matthew Yandell, Jessica Cloutier, Zak Bettencourt, Austin Bettencourt, Christopher Catalli, Nicole Norton, Kellie Corbin, 1 great grandchild, Leah Norton, two brothers, James and his wife Carol Yandell of Wakefield, Stephen Yandell of Reading and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Joseph Yandell.

His funeral service will be held Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 11 am at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of The North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.